AFI Semi Final Preview
It’s Semi-final weekend in the world of American Football Ireland , with the country’s top teams set to clash for a chance to compete in the highly anticipated championship games on July 18th in Athlone. It feels just like yesterday that the season was kicking off, and now we’re facing down the home straight. But there’s still plenty of football left to play. The 2026 edition of Irish American football league was a strange one, with the so-called “lower division” providing much more entertainment and excitement than we had expected. Some would say that the standard of kitted football is slipping in Ireland, for one reason or another. But that’s a story for the offseason, because right now our focus is firmly on the playoffs!
Let’s start with Division one or the “Harp Bowl Conference” where we have some absolutely cracking fixtures to look forward to on Saturday. Up in the northwest corner of the country, the walled city of Derry plays host to the biggest game in Vipers club history as they take on the Dublin Rhinos. The men in black and red have been “unleashing the venom” all season long through the potent combination of Quarterback Mike Naulty and international addition Ishy Ahmad. Hailing from Pennsylvania, the standout wide receiver and returner has added an explosive dimension to the Vipers offense since joining the club earlier this season. Both sides played out a tightly contested fixture back in April but have come a long way since then. The Rhinos will need to sell out on defense to contain the deep passing threat of the Vipers if they want to have any hope of making this a close game, but can also do damage on the ground through their own rush attack once they get moving.
Perhaps an even more momentous clash in Santry will see the South Dublin Panthers take on the Westmeath Minotaurs. The Panthers have absolutely dominated division one this season, primarily through the powerful running of Conor Hoskins, and are on course to winning their way back to the top flight. Standing in their path however, are the wiley Westmeath Minotaurs. The men from Mullingar have been to the Harp Bowl a total of three times in club history, but last lifted the trophy in 2022. With the addition of UCD legends Brandon Atwell and Eoin Feely to the offense and Head Coaching roles respectively, this could be the year they finally claim their second title. Let’s not forget that the last time these sides met it was the Minotaurs who emerged victorious – so both sides are going to have to fight for their lives on Saturday. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to who wants it the most.
Speaking of UCD, there was a point midway through the season when you wondered if they were even going to make it to the playoffs at all. Their week one loss to the Mavericks sent shockwaves around the league, and subsequent hammerings against the Trojans raised questions about whether or not they still had the fire and desire once on display. An injury to Arun Mooney and midseason departure of Sean Douglas didn’t help matters either. But to their credit they battled back with some convincing wins of their own to claim the fourth seed. A trip to Deramore Park awaits them on Sunday, where they’ll take on the Green Machine for the 3rd time this season.
The key to stopping the Trojans is simple in theory: shut down Rayshawn Boswell. But in practice? Good luck containing him. Belfast are going to get the ball in his hands as much as possible – and if that plan doesn’t work – they still have plenty of weapons for Dom Lynn to throw to. It’s going to take a miracle for there to be any other outcome than a Trojans victory, but hey, you never know.
And finally, the game we’ve been waiting for all season long but were robbed of back in April due to issues with the venue – the Louth Mavericks versus the Dublin Rebels AKA the Ty Henry Bowl! What the Mavs have achieved this season is truly incredible. I’m pretty sure that no other team in AFI history has come into the top flight and absolutely dominated like they have. And while Henry may have been the catalyst for success in Dundalk, there is no question about the talent that existed there before his arrival, including the likes of Oisin Finn and Fin O’Donovan. The Raging Bulls have rampaged all season long, and I expect this trend to continue in De La Salle RFC on Sunday. As for the Rebels – an unfortunate season ending injury to Quarterback Sam Doran almost put paid to a promising campaign, but they kept battling on and wound up as the second seed and a 6-2 record. I think they’ll struggle to contain the mighty Mavericks offense on Sunday, but this game will be a lot closer than people are expecting.
Now, time for predictions. Our recent social media polls indicated overwhelming victories for the Trojans, Mavericks, and Vipers with the Minotaurs/Panthers game a bit closer to call and I have to say that I largely agree. Anything can happen on any given weekend, but based on the way the season has unfolded it’s hard to see the results going any other way. For me, the game to watch is in Santry between Westmeath and South Dublin and Gaelic Gridiron will have full coverage of all semi final match ups so make sure you stay tuned to our social media!